Defence Force officers catch man attempting to leave quarantine

National Security Minister Stuart Young said someone in quarantine who attempted to escape on Monday, was found and re-captured by members of the Trinidad and Defence Force and security officials.

Speaking at Tuesday's media briefing during an update on the country's COVID-19 response, Young urged those quarantined in facilities to obey instructions and not to breach quarantine.

"With respect to a manhunt for persons who have fled quarantine, we had one incident, I believe it was yesterday (April 6, 2020), a person who decided to abscond, very quickly, the Defence Force, the personnel who were guarding that facility in addition to the private security, located the individual and brought him back to the facility."

He mentioned one other situation but did not disclose details.

He said people within quarantine pose a danger to society as they may be carriers of the disease.

"If medical experts see it fit to bring you to these facilities, stay at these facilities. You are considered more at risk and a potential danger to society."

"When you leave these medical facilities and go out there you're putting all of the population at risk."

He said if charged and convicted, people who breach quarantine orders can be fined up to $6,000 or spend six months in jail.

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